Arts courses 'to go under the microscope'

A major university plans to conduct a report into the true value of art and media degrees by examining graduate career prospects it has been announced.

The University of Portsmouth will gather information from ex-students who graduated in the arts sector, it was reported.

Targeted candidates for study will be 23,000 graduates who completed their courses between 2001 and 2004.

Principal lecturer in the university's school of art, design and media Dr Paul Newland said: 'Creative arts graduates are slow burn – they ignite into high-profile careers often five to 10 years after graduating, though this has not been easy to prove.'

He went on to add that the survey will provide an 'excellent opportunity' to weigh up evidence of the benefits of studying for a degree in the arts.

A summer report from graduate career advisors Prospects outlines that employment opportunities vary greatly over subjects. It also states that male accountancy graduates can earn up to 40% more than the average arts graduate.